CZWG loses latest planning battle over Arsenal tower

CZWG’s controversial plans for a 25-storey tower near Arsenal football club’s Emirates Stadium have received a fresh planning setback

A decision to grant planning permission to the scheme has been overturned by the High Court after being challenged by Islington Council.

The 78-metre high tower block was originally rejected by Islington Council back in 2011 when planning officers had said its height, bulk, scale and appearance were not in line with the adopted policy on tall buildings.

But the scheme was later granted planning permission by the Planing Inspectorate at appeal.

Islington Council then launched a judicial review of the scheme, claiming that council policies did not allow tall buildings in the area.

But the battle is not over yet: as a result of the court ruling, the designs will have to be resubmitted for planning.

A spokesperson for the practice said: ‘CZWG is disappointed with the judgement but is confident that, ultimately, justice will prevail and permission will be granted for what we, and our client, believe is an excellent and appropriate scheme for this site.’

The rejected design featured the red and white colours of the Arsenal football team. It contained 88 five-bed student apartments, 10 self-contained studio rooms, a double-height penthouse common room with mezzanine and external terrace, and a separately accessed public restaurant and bar on the 23rd floor.

A spokesperson for the football club added: ‘We are aware of the court’s decision and will now consider our position’.

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